Each 12 months, individuals eagerly await the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a famend competition held in Puri, Odisha. Scheduled for the final week of June 2025, preparations for this grand procession have already commenced. Over the previous few weeks, each alley and nook of Puri has been adorned for the event.
This competition, also referred to as the Puri Rath Yatra, is known for the procession of Lord Jagannath, alongside together with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, in elaborately embellished chariots. Witnessing this spectacle is a singular expertise in itself.
If you happen to plan to go to, Puri boasts a number of different temples value exploring. One such historic temple, simply 2 kilometers from Puri, is the Shri Loknath Temple. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple holds particular significance. Curiously, the Shiva Linga right here stays submerged in water all year long, solely turning into seen for a single day.
Legend has it that in their seek for Goddess Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshmana reached Puri. A neighborhood resident guided them to a spot the place a gourd (lauki) was planted, resembling a Shiva Linga. Believing it to be an indication from Lord Shiva, they consecrated the place. Finally, this spot advanced into the Loknath Temple, recognized for its distinctive linga submerged in water.
For these curious in regards to the auspicious day to witness the Shiva Linga at Loknath Temple, it’s accessible for darshan (viewing) simply three days earlier than Mahashivaratri, particularly through the Pankoddhar Ekadashi, also referred to as Papankusha Ekadashi. On at the present time, devotees imagine that viewing the linga and observing a quick can absolve sins and enhance well being.
The Rath Yatra and the Loknath Temple are integral elements of Puri’s cultural and religious heritage, drawing devotees and vacationers alike to expertise these enriching traditions.